What is the role of the transport layer in the OSI model?

The transport layer of the OSI model plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between devices on a network. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that data is transferred reliably and without errors from the source to the destination. This includes functions such as error detection and correction, data flow control, and segmentation of data into manageable pieces.

In providing reliable transport, the layer is responsible for establishing connections and maintaining these connections over the duration of the transmission. It uses protocols such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), which guarantees that data packets are delivered accurately and in the correct order, thus ensuring data integrity throughout the transmission process.

While the other choices mention important aspects of networking, they pertain to different functions within the OSI model. Routing, for instance, is the responsibility of the network layer. Formatting data for presentation falls under the presentation layer, and managing network connections typically involves aspects of session layer protocols. Thus, the transport layer specifically focuses on reliable data transfer, making it essential for effective network communication.